India’s dawn chorus A nature-lovers, bird and wildlife tour escorted by Liz Light

departing from Auckland on 28 October 2017

India’s habitat diversity and altitude variations give it a rich bird life. It has over 1200 bird species, including 70 raptors, 30 duck and geese species and 8 stork varieties. We visit 5 magnificent National Parks; 2 in the Himalayas, 2 on the Ganges Plains and 1 on the Deccan Plateau. In this season we see masses of migratory birds from north Asia. The wildlife (tigers with luck) is a bonus.

Small group (max 10 people), luxurious and hosted from New Zealand by Liz Light, an award winning writer, photographer and bird-lover. At each destination we will be accompanied by an expert local ornithologist.

20 days, including the return airfares from New Zealand, all internal flights, guides, bus and train transport, and much more. Cost $ 8860 per person, Twin-share; for a Single Room $ 10,960

Introducing your Host: Liz Light Liz has been in love with India since she saw a picture of a group of women wearing saris when she was nine years old. She has visited this magnificently diverse country many times and loves the warm welcome and humour that is special to India, the delicious food and, of course, the vast national parks that make this country a delight for bird and wildlife enthusiasts..

More information: Colour India www.colourindia.co.nz / elight@kiwilink.co.nz / Liz 021 2353932 / 09 4220111

Program: Auckland – Mumbai - Bandhavgarh National Park – Srinigar in Kashmir - Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary in the Himalayas – Delhi and Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary – Agra and Keoladeo Ghana National Park - Delhi – Auckland

All hotels booked for this tour include breakfast. Lunch and dinner, when included, are indicated (L&D)

Day 01 Sat, 28 Oct Auckland – Mumbai – Jabalpur (D)

Please arrive on Friday night (27 October) at Auckland International Airport at least 3 hours prior to the scheduled departure of your flight in the early hours of Saturday morning. Check your bags through to Mumbai. Liz will meet you at the airport, after check-in.

1:15 am Depart from Auckland by flight SQ 4282 6:45 am Arrive in Singapore.

On arrival at Singapore Airport, please proceed in transit to connect your onward flight to Mumbai.

7:45 am Depart from Singapore by flight SQ422

10:40 am Arrive in Mumbai

On arrival in Mumbai, after clearing passport control and customs collect your baggage and connect to your flight to Jabalpur. Get rupees at an ATM at the airport.

2:10 pm Depart from Mumbai on Spice SG 2548 4:10 pm Arrive in Jabalpur.

You will be met at the airport and then driven 26 km to the Motel Marble Rocks at Bhedaghat, above the Narmada Gorge.

The accommodation is sweet with a sunny garden on the cliffs above the Narmada Gorge. In the morning there could be birding in the garden.

Your accommodation for 1 night will be at Motel Marble Rocks including breakfast

Motel Marble Rocks Bheda Ghat, Madhya Pradesh 483053, India Tel: +91 76128 30424

Day 02 Sunday 29 October Jabalpur – Kanha (B/L/D)

After a slow morning in the garden of our motel, and a quiet boat ride down the amazing Narmada Gorge, we check out of our accommodation (at 12), then have lunch and depart for Khana National Park by bus. Distance 150 kms /4 hrs

On reaching Kanha, check-in at your lodge-style accommodation.

Your accommodation for 3 nights will be in Infinity Wilderness Hotel including all main meals

Infinity Wilderness Hotel Village Baherakhar, Nikkum, Tehsil Birsa, Dist. Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh 481111 Tel: + 91 7636290290, 9650193665, 09650193666,

Day 03 Mon, 30 Oct Kanha National Park (B/L/D)

Kanha National Park, in central India, is 1945 km square. The landscape is undulating with rocky ridges, flat grassy meadows and sal forest. It has over 300 bird species, some of the more interesting being Asian Paradise Flycatcher, White Rumped Shama, White Bellied Drongo, Spangled Drongo. Racket Tailed Drongo, Tawny Babbler, Jungle Babbler, Indian Scimitar Babbler, Grey Francolin, Painted Francolin, Black Naped Flycatcher, Common Iora, Eurasian Blackbird, Gold Mantled Chloropsis, Jerdon's Leaf Bird, Golden Oriole, Black Hooded Oriole, Common Grey Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill,

Asian Brown Flycatcher, Tickell's Flowerpecker, Verditor Flycatcher, Tawny Fish Owl, Barred Jungle Owlet, Spotted Owlet, Brown Fish Owl, Indian Scops Owl, Mottled Wood Owl, Crested Serpent Eagle, Shikra, Common Kestrel, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Pariah Kite, White Eyed Buzzard, Oriental Honey Buzzard and Indian Pitta.

Early morning, bird watching safari. Birds will be our focus but there is a good chance of seeing tigers, two species of monkey, different kinds of deer and much more.

We enjoy a picnic breakfast in the park before returning to our lodge.

There is bird watching in the garden of our lodge but there is also time to relax before the afternoon safari.

Mid-afternoon we will depart for another birding safari in Kanha National Park

Dinner is at our lodge.

Day 04 Tue, 31 Oct Kanha (B/L/D)

Early morning birding safari as above.

In the mid-afternoon you can take another bird / wildlife w a t c h i n g safari or simply relax at our lodge or explore the local culture in the village nearby.

Day 05 Wed, 01 Nov Kanha – Jabalpur – Delhi (B)

After a relaxed morning you will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to Jabalpur airport. It is 150 km and may take up to 04 hours.

4:30 pm Depart Jabalpur on SG-2642 6:30 pm Arrive in Delhi.

You will be met at the airport and transferred to your Hotel

Your accommodation at Delhi Airport for 01 night is in Hotel Ibis Aerocity including breakfast.

Ibis Aerocity Delhi Airport Asset Area 09, Hospitality District, Aero City, Delhi International Airport, New Delhi - 110037 Tel: +91 11 4302 0202

Day 06 Thu, 02 Nov Delhi – Srinagar in Kashmir (B/L/D)

In time transfer to Delhi airport to connect flight to Srinagar

9:25 am Depart Delhi on GoAir G8-128 10:45 am Arrive in Srinagar

On your arrival at the Srinagar Airport, you will be met by our representative who will arrange your transfer. It’s about 40 minute drive through the heart of Srinagar city. We arrive at our houseboat in time for a light lunch.

Your accommodation in Srinagar for 03 nights is in Deluxe Houseboat including breakfast

Later we take a shikara ride on the world famous Dal Lake to enjoy bird watching.

Dal Lake is a bird watchers’ paradise. A ride on a shikara can provide an observant and patient person with wonderful insights into bird behavior. Man and nature co-exist happily in the valley.

Man-made islands, comprised of reeds, willow rods and aquatic vegetation, provide a rich source of food in the form of frogs, lizards, mice, grasshoppers and other insects for many bird species. White-breasted Kingfishers, with robust bills, perch on branches of willow trees and dive into water to catch little fish. Wagtails can be seen dashing from leaf to leaf, sometimes leaping into the air to catch prey. The Little Grebe, a small swimming bird much smaller than a duck, is common as are Pariah Kites, scavenger birds that help clean the area.

Day 07 Fri, 03 Nov Hokarsar (B/L/D)

In the morning we visit Hokarsar Wetland. Thousands of migratory birds come to this wetland from Siberia and central Asia in winter and many other migratory species use the wetlands as their transitory camp in October.

Hokersar, 14 kms north of Srinagar, is a world class wetland spread over 14 square kilometres including a lake and marshy areas. A record number of migratory birds have visited Hokersar in recent years.

Birds found in Hokersar include migratory ducks and geese such as the Brahminy Duck, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Garganey, Greylag Goose, Mallard, Common Merganser, Northern Pintail, Common Pochard, Ferruginous Pochard, Red-Crested Pochard, Ruddy Shelduck, Northern Shoveler, Common Teal, and Eurasian Pigeon.

We have a late lunch on houseboat.

Later in the afternoon there are two glorious heritage Moghul gardens to visit for those who are gardens enthusiasts, otherwise the afternoon is free. You can watch birds from the verandah of our houseboat.

Day 08 Sat, 04 Nov Dachigam National Park (B/L/D)

Early in the morning, after breakfast, we proceed to Dachigam National Park. It is 22 km from Srinagar and is spread over an area of 140 sq km with altitude ranging from 1700 m to 4200 m. Dachigam has over 150 species of birds including Himalayan Monal, Cheer Pheasant, Koklass Pheasant, Bearded Vulture, Himalayan Griffon, Golden Eagle, Red-billed Chough, Yellow-billed Chough, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Streaked Laughing Thrush, Tickell's Thrush, Spectacled Finch, Orange Bullfinch, Black and Yellow Grosbeak, Kashmir Flycatcher, Dark-sided Flycatcher, Ultramarine Flycatcher, Paradise Flycatcher, Tytler's Leaf- Warbler, White-throated Tit, Green-backed Tit, Peregrine Falcon, Himalayan Bulbul, Black Bulbul, Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler, Himalayan Woodpecker, Scaly-bellied Woodpecker, and many more.

There are numerous mammal species which include Hangul, Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Langur Monkeys, Himalayan Marmot and Leopards.

We will be taking a picnic lunch.

Day 09 Sun, 05 Nov Srinagar – Delhi (B)

After breakfast, we take a heritage and cultural walk of the old city of Srinagar. Walk through history at Zaina Kadal, and through narrow streets into the Jama Masjid, and Shah-e-Hamdaan. Meander through old bazaars bedecked with dry fruits, silks, spices and much more. We will visit a handloom centre famous for production of woolen and pashmina shawls and fine handloomed carpets made here in the valley.

Later we will drive to the airport for your flight to Delhi.

3:05 pm Departure from Srinagar on Indigo 6E-694 4:35 pm Arrive Delhi

You will be met a Delhi airport and transferred to your Hotel

Your accommodation for 01 night is in The Metropolitan Hotel including breakfast

The Metropolitan Hotel Bangla Sahib Road New Delhi 110001 Tel: +91 11 42500 200

Day 10 Mon, 06 Nov Delhi – Kathgodam – Binsar (B/D)

Take early morning transfer to the New Delhi Railway Station to connect train for Kathgodam.

6:00 am Depart Delhi by Shatabdi Express 11:20 am Arrive at Kathgodam

Upon arrival at Kathgodam we will be met and transferred by bus to Binsar. We will stop along the way for lunch on a self-pay basis.

The sleepy region of Binsar is one of the most scenic places of Kumaon region of Uttrakhand. At 2420 metres, Binsar Wild life sanctuary is known for spell–binding views of the Himalayan peaks such as Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Panchachuli and Kedarnath.

Check-in at your hotel enjoy the rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

Dinner is in your lodge.

Your accommodation in Binsar is for 3 nights is at Mountain Resort Khali Estate including breakfast

Mountain Resort Khali Estate Ayarpani, Almora, Uttarakhand 263601 Tel: +91 98205 68809

Day 11 Tue, 07 Nov Binsar (B/L/D)

After breakfast we will go for a day-walk in Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary with our expert birding guides. Binsar is a paradise for the bird enthusiasts with 200 species including Tits, Forktails, Nuthatches, Parakeets, Laughing Thrush, Magpies, Kalij Pheasants, Monal, Koklas, Eagles ,Woodpecers, Eurasian Jays and Scarlet Minivets. Binsar is also home to many reptiles and a wide range of butterflies and various large mammals including barking deer and leopards.

A simple picnic lunch will be provided.

Dinner at Khali Estate.

Day 12 Wed, 08 Nov Binsar (B/L/D)

We will walk with our expert guides in another part of Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. A simple but delicious lunch will be served in one of the little villages inside the sanctuary.

Overnight stay at your hotel

Day 13 Thu, 09 Nov Return to Delhi (B/D)

Morning transfer to the Kathgodam Railway Station to connect train for New Delhi.

3:35 pm Depart from Kathgodam to Delhi on the Shatabdi Express 9:05 pm Arrive in Delhi - with our first class tickets, we get served a tasty dinner (meals on wheels).

We will be met upon arrival at Delhi Railway Station and transferred to our hotel.

Your accommodation in Delhi for 1 night will be at The Metropolitan Hotel including breakfast

The Metropolitan Hotel Bangla Sahib Road New Delhi 110001 Tel: +91 11 42500 200

Day 14 Fri, 10 Nov Delhi to Baratpur via Deeg (B)

In the morning we will proceed to Bharatpur by bus.

Lunch will be on a self-pay basis at a highway restaurant and we will visit Deeg Palace along the way. Deeg Palace was built in 1772 as a luxurious summer resort for the Maharaja if Bharatpur. It is architecturally interesting and shows us the life style of the mid-range rulers of pre- Independence India.

Your accommodation in Bharatpur is for 2 nights at Laxmi Vilas Palace including breakfast

Laxmi Vilas Palace Hotel Old Agra Achhnera Road, Kakaji Ki Kothi, Bharatpur, Rajasthan 321001, India Phone: +91 5644 223 523

Rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore the city on your own

Day 15 Sat, 11 Nov in Bharatpur (B)

Early in the morning visit to Keoladeo Ghana National Park on a cycle rickshaw for bird spotting. Return to the hotel for a late breakfast.

Keoladeo Ghana National Park, 29 km2 ,is a World Heritage Site. It is a mosaic of dry grasslands, woodlands, woodland swamps and wetlands. These diverse habitats are home to 366 bird species, 379 floral species, 50 species of fish, 13 species of snakes, 5 species of lizards, 7 amphibian species, 7 turtle species, and a variety of other invertebrates.

It is home to thousands migratory birds which come from Central Asia and spend their winters in Keoladeo Ghana National Park before returning to their breeding grounds. This includes several species of Cranes, Pelicans, Geese, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks, Shanks, Stints, Wagtails, Warblers, Wheatears, Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks and Pipits. .

The afternoon will be free with an option of visiting Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri, another World Heritage Site, is the architectural remnants of a fortified city which was the capital of the Mughal Empire in the 1700’s, for 15 years, before it was deserted because of a water shortage. There are well-preserved palace buildings and a still-used mosque. It is

intriguing to just wander around the ghostly remnants of this palace.

Day 16 Sun, 12 Nov Agra- Taj Mahal - Delhi (B)

Today we have another early morning visit to Keoladeo Ghana National Park, on a cycle rickshaw, for bird spotting. We return to the hotel for a late breakfast.

We then depart for Agra to visit the Taj Mahal & Agra Fort, (approx 1.5 hours).

The city of Agra stands as a testimony to the era of the Mughal Emperors and has some of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in India. Agra is synonymous with the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Commented [L1]:

Visit the Taj Mahal. Built by Shah Jahan as an eternal symbol of his love for his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is built with perfect symmetry, wonderful proportions and exquisite detailing.

Later we visit sprawling Agra Fort on the bank of the Yamuna River. This immense fort and palace was the seat of power for four generations of Mughal emperors and the architecture is an perfect fusion between military might and lavish beauty.

After lunch (self- pay) we return to Delhi by bus.

Your accommodation in Delhi for 3 nights at the The Metropolitan Hotel including breakfast

The Metropolitan Hotel Bangla Sahib Road New Delhi 110001 Tel: +91 11 42500 200

Day 17 Mon, 13 Nov In Delhi (B)

This morning visit New Delhi, built in a typically British colonial style, with tree-lined avenues and colonial bungalows. We take a guided walk around the area designed by Edwin Lutyens, and his unique Indo- Victorian architecture; Parliament House, the Secretariat buildings and the Vice Regal Palace, the residence of the President of India, and India Gate, the War Memorial Arch.

Then visit Connaught Place, the financial and shopping centre of New Delhi. Designed in the 1920’s, completed in the 1930’s and named after the Duke of Connaught, Queen Victoria’s third son. Connaught Place is modelled on the Royal Crescent in Bath but it is an almost complete circle. Wonderful shops, excellent restaurants and lots of fun and up-town bustle.

The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. You are free to explore and your guides will be there to help and advice.

Day 18 Tue, 14 Nov In Delhi (B)

Early morning proceed for a day excursion to Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary. It is just 40 km away from Delhi and it is ideal for bird watching. Approx 250 species are found at Sultanpur, including Flamingos and Sarus Cranes. Some species are residents while others are migratory and have arrived for the winter.

Afternoon at leisure. There are so many options of things to do and see in Delhi – great shopping, a terrific railway museum and excellent textiles and other handicrafts from all India. Your guides will have good ideas and can help / guide you on what to do.

Day 19 Wed, 15 Nov Delhi – Singapore – Auckland (B)

At an appointed time, you will be collected from your Hotel and transferred to Airport for your flight to Singapore with onward connection to Auckland

9:30 am Depart from Delhi by flight SQ 401

5:35 pm Arrive in Singapore

On arrival at Singapore Airport, please proceed in transit to connect your onward flight to Auckland

8:50 pm Depart from Singapore by flight SQ285

Day 20 Thu, 16 Nov Auckland

11:45 am Arrive in Auckland

Meals mentioned above: B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner

All flight times mentioned above are local, subject to change by airlines without prior intimation. It is advisable to check the scheduled flight departure time at least 3 days prior to your travel. Please check with our ground operators locally to reconfirm your return travel schedule well in advance.

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Please read inclusions, exclusions and T&Cs on the following pages:

Important: Costs above are based on current rate of exchange (INR 49 per NZD) and the final Invoice will have the costs based rate of exchange current at that time, after all adjustments. You may settle all the costs earlier than the due date and freeze the rate of exchange – the costs will not be changed after the file is paid in full unless there is a change in government tax structure.

Minimum number of participants. We will need a minimum of 7 people to operate the group programme. The final information on the status of this Group will be communicated at least 60 days prior to departure and full refund will be given if we have to withdraw this Group from operation due to lack of numbers.

Twin-share for solo travellers. If solo travellers don’t wish to pay the single supplement we will do our best to find a person of the same sex to share a room with. If this does not eventuate, and a solo traveller ends up with their own room, they will need to pay the single supplement.

Guides. If the New Zealand guide specified in the programme is unable to host the tour, because of some unpredictable event or ill health, there will always be an experienced, backup, Kiwi guide.

INCLUSIONS

Economy class international flights on sectors as per the above programme, including all taxes Economy class domestic flights on sectors as per the above programme Trains journeys as per the above programme Accommodation in Hotels including breakfast as per the details mentioned in the enclosed itinerary Other meals as specified in the program Services of regional English speaking guides in each city as per the sightseeing mentioned in the program All ground services using private air-conditioned vehicles All entrance fees (as per sightseeing programs in the itinerary) and currently applicable taxes

EXCLUSIONS

Visas, travel insurance, airport taxes, meals not mentioned in the itinerary, beverages during included meals, excess baggage on domestic flights (baggage allowance is 15 kilos per person), gratuities and other personal expenses.

PAYMENT & PRICES TERMS

Deposit: Exotic Holidays will need a non-refundable deposit of NZD1000 per person, along with a copy of your passport, to be able to confirm space on the program

Final Payment: We would require the balance amount to be paid to us latest by 70 days prior to start of services.

Prices: All holiday prices are based on schedules, fares and tariffs current at the time of quotation. Exotic Holidays reserves the right to vary the cost of tours if necessary, by reason of currency fluctuation, tax increases, or component cost increase or other unforeseen changes. Tour costing, as per the programme, will be guaranteed at the price prevailing at the date of final payment.

In the unlikely event of cancelled or late domestic flights in India, or missed connections for reasons beyond the control of Exotic Holidays, Exotic Holidays reserves the right to pass the costs of alternative unscheduled arrangements to the client.

CANCELLATION TERMS

In case of any cancellation or reduction of services, following cancellation terms will apply: Cancellation in booked arrangements till 61 days prior to start of services : Loss of deposit Cancellation in booked arrangements from 60 days 31 days prior to start of services : 50% charge Cancellation in booked arrangements from 30 days till start of services :100 % charge No refund is due for any arrangement once the tour has commenced. Flights and train journeys, once booked and ticketed, are liable for 100% penalty in case of cancellation and correction or change in name.